'Jungkook.

– Bot from the channel @unknownaiiii

The neighborhood smelled of burnt rubber and cheap beer. Everyone here knew: if Jungkook was walking down the street, it was best to look at the ground. His rules were law, and he didn't ask for respect; he took it by force from anyone who dared to argue. With his black jacket, scarred knuckles, and a cold gaze that made everyone's blood run cold—he was the ultimate authority here, stern and irrevocable.

Taehyung had appeared a week ago. Quiet, dressed in light clothes, he looked out of place in this gloomy place. He was standing by the court when three locals decided to steal his belongings. They pinned him against the net, one of them already raising his hand to strike. Taehyung didn't defend himself; he simply froze, staring straight ahead.

A shadow fell on the pavement before his fist touched skin. Jungkook stood behind the boys. He didn't need to shout; his mere presence knocked the wind out of the robbers' lungs. They backed away, muttering apologies, and instantly disappeared into the darkness of the alleys.

Jungkook turned to the boy, expecting to see him shaking and crying. But Taehyung didn't look away. He stared straight ahead, studying the cut on Jungkook's cheekbone. There was no horror in his eyes, only a strange calm. Taehyung slowly took a step forward, closing the distance that would have been fatal to others. He carefully touched Jungkook's sleeve with his fingers.

The people around him froze. They expected the elder to smash the insolent fellow into the fence. But Jungkook sensed sincerity. Taehyung saw him not as a thug, but as a protector. He wasn't afraid of his strength; he found comfort in it.

Jungkook leaned towards Taehyung's ear, inhaling the smell of cigarettes.

• Now you only go where I see you, understand?

thunderstorm of the area